Delta State Government on Wednesday said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is laying a solid foundation for industrial growth by reviving dormant power generation assets rather than scrapping the Independent Power Project (IPP) equipment in Oghara.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed during the visit of the State Economic Management Team to Sapele Power Plc in Ogorode, Sapele.
Aniagwu said the administration chose long-term value creation over short-term gains after reviewing turbines and equipment stored for years in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area.
“Energy is the bedrock of industrialisation. When Governor Oborevwori came on board, he recognised that to attract industries and create jobs, we must expand our capacity in power generation and distribution,” Aniagwu said.
He explained that instead of disposing of the idle equipment as scrap, the governor opted for refurbishment and integration through a strategic partnership with Sapele Power Plc.
"Rather than sell them off as scrap for about ₦3 billion, the governor opted for a long-term investment approach aimed at generating sustainable revenue and boosting electricity supply.
"Following feasibility studies conducted in collaboration with the Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), the Ministry of Energy, and the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, the state entered into a partnership with Sapele Power Plc to refurbish and integrate the equipment into the plant’s operations."
Aniagwu revealed that the project would deliver measurable energy gains, with Sapele Power Plc — currently generating over 1,020 megawatts — set to add 120 megawatts upon completion.
"The new capacity will come from two 60-megawatt Rolls-Royce Trent 60 Generating Turbines being installed at the plant. Instead of taking quick money and forgetting the future, the governor chose to invest for generations yet unborn,” he said.
Continuing, he said: “Today, we are talking about injecting 120 megawatts into the national grid. That is a wise and profitable decision that will benefit Delta State and the country in the long run.”
He added that beyond boosting electricity supply, the initiative is already creating jobs and facilitating technology transfer, as local engineers and technicians participate in the fabrication and installation processes.
Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, described the development as impressive, expressing confidence that the additional capacity would help address energy demands and support industrial expansion.
Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Barry Gbe, who led the team, said the investment aligns with the new constitutional framework, granting states greater participation in electricity generation and distribution.
Gbe disclosed that the state had constituted a committee, working with consultants, to liberalise the electricity market, attract more players across generation, distribution, and metering, and ensure affordable power.
Chairman of the Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), Chief Lucky Oghene-Omoru, said the initiative had transformed previously dormant assets into value-generating investments, while the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sapele Power Plc, Mr. Valentine Ashinze, commended Governor Oborevwori’s foresight and pledged continued collaboration.
The visit underscored the administration’s integrated development strategy, linking infrastructure, energy expansion, and investment promotion to position Delta State for sustainable industrial growth.
